Magical Shoes Alaskan: The Versatile Boot for Winter Adventures

When it comes to winter boots, finding the perfect blend of style, warmth, and functionality can be quite the challenge. Enter the Magical Shoes Alaskan, a boot that promises to deliver on all fronts. Here’s my detailed take on this versatile winter wear.

Technical Specifications:

• Upper: Made of two types of leather – smooth leather for the main part and suede-like trim.
• Lining: Wool with a hydrophobic membrane.
• Sole: Magical Rubber Trek, non-slip, 7 mm.
• Colors: Available in Grey, Brown, and Black.

Materials

• Upper: Premium Nappa leather / Suede leather
• Lining: Natural wool with a hydrophobic membrane
• Sole: Magical Rubber, 6.5 mm, abrasion-resistant design

Barefoot Qualities

• Weight: 210 g (size 41 EU)
• Zero drop
• Super flexible
• Wide toe box

Company Background

Magical Shoes, founded by Aldona Zawada in 2015, is a Polish company deeply rooted in shoemaking tradition. Aldona’s family legacy of craftsmanship, spanning her father, uncles, and grandfather, inspired her to create a barefoot shoe company. This passion for high-quality production and commitment to health, nature, and the environment is evident in every pair of shoes they craft by hand in Poland using premium local materials.

First Impressions

The Magical Shoes Alaskan boots caught my eye with their elegant design and thoughtful details. The darker edge around the boot gives it a traditional look, cleverly creating the illusion of a narrower silhouette. The combination of laces for adjustability and a side zipper for easy on/off is a brilliant touch, ensuring both style and convenience. The elastic area around the ankle enhances natural movement, making these boots comfortable for walking and putting on or off.

Performance and Use

The unique design of the Magical Alaskan allows for a natural, unrestricted range of motion, meaning your feet do the work. These boots are not for transitioning; you’ll need to strengthen your feet before wearing them for long periods. If you have high volume and wide feet, consider sizing up to accommodate your foot. The lining starts off taking a lot of internal space but compresses with wear, enhancing comfort over time.

Waterproofing

While not explicitly waterproof, the boots feature a hydrophobic membrane that performs admirably in snow. I’ve experienced zero moisture intrusion even before applying any sealants. However, I haven’t tested them in puddles or salty slush, which could penetrate natural materials over time.

Warmth

Magical Shoes claims these boots are comfortable even below -12°C. I haven’t tested them at such extreme temperatures, but at around -7°C, they kept my feet warm as long as I stayed active. Standing still, especially in snow, allows the cold to seep in quickly. Sizing up to add an insole might help, though it introduces extra length.

Traction

These boots boast excellent grip thanks to the Magical Rubber Trek sole. The flexibility of the sole allows your foot to mold to uneven surfaces, enhancing traction on ice. Of course, no boot is entirely slip-proof on ice, so caution is still necessary.

Fit

The boots have an angled shape, making them ideal for those with more sloped toes. If your toes are more squared off, you might need to adjust sizing accordingly.

The boots are extremely flexible, but the shape of the upper reduces available space slightly. People with medium or low volume feet likely wouldn’t notice this issue. The toebox is wide but not the widest, with the angled design pulling slightly on the pinky toe when wearing thick socks.

A big plus is the lack of a break-in period. The boots are ready to wear right out of the box, with laces conveniently left open for easy adjustment. Once set, the side zipper makes them easy to slip on and off.

Sizing

Always base your shoe size on precise measurements and consult the company’s sizing charts. Magical Shoes recommends adding only a few millimeters to your foot length, but I found that I prefer having an extra centimeter or more. For example, if you wear a size 43, you may find that a 44 is the correct choice for these boots. Despite the width being slightly smaller, the materials are extremely flexible and mold to wider feet comfortably.

Cleaning and Care

To ensure longevity, care for the leather by waterproofing the uppers and cleaning with a brush when dirty. Proper maintenance will keep these boots in excellent condition for years to come.

Smooth leather is easy to clean and protect with waxes and creams to keep it hydrated. Suede, on the other hand, should be treated with a spray to maintain its texture. Avoid machine washing or drying these boots, and keep sprays away from the wool lining to preserve its natural protective properties.

Purchasing and Returns

Available in sizes 37-47, the Magical Shoes Alaskan costs €145/$155. They ship worldwide with a 30-day refund policy.

Final Thoughts

The Magical Shoes Alaskan boots are a fantastic addition to any winter wardrobe. They’re stylish, warm, and offer excellent traction in snowy conditions. These boots give my feet the freedom to move naturally. However, this might be too much for feet that aren’t yet strong enough.

The side zipper makes them easy to put on and take off, requiring only a one-time lace adjustment. Their flexibility and ease of wear have made them my go-to boots this fall. If you’re looking for a stylish, high-quality, and environmentally-conscious barefoot boot, the Magical Shoes Alaskan is a fantastic choice.